Ayre mx-r vs. Pass xa 60.5

If your XA60.5 is properly matched to your speaker load, I can't imagine you lack bass control. Some have described the X.5 as faster than the XA.5.

My speakers are an extremely difficult load, so I decided to upgrade from the XA100.5 to the XA160.5. It made a noticeable difference.

I have only heard the MX-R in other systems and have not done a direct comparison with the Pass amps, so I can't really comment on the Ayre.

I've owned both the MXR and XA160.5 amps. Obviously both are very good amps. I cannot believe the Pass is having issues with bass and control. I would first look to your speakers and room treatments before discarding your Pass amps.

That being said, I prefer the Ayre amps because I thought it sounded more transparent and dynamic in my system but at this level its splitting hairs.

I agree with Tboooe completely. I can't imagine anything but bass node problems in that room....

I don't know if it's truly related to "bass control and speed," but I've seen a number of people (myself included) comment that the XA amps can be a little soft on bass. Like Peterayer, that can lead some people to prefer the X series over the XAs.

What kind of speakers do you have, and what kind of load do they present to the amps? That info might help guide people's responses here...